IB Design Technology Assessment Structure Explained

Paper 3 (HL Only) – Case Study

• Focuses on unseen design problems and real-world contexts.
• Requires critical thinking and the ability to connect different areas of the syllabus.
• Seen as the toughest exam paper for HL students.

Internal Assessment (IA)

The IA is a design project where students identify a problem, research it, develop a solution, prototype it, and evaluate outcomes. It’s where the design cycle comes to life.

• SL IA weighting: Higher percentage of the final grade, since SL has fewer exam components.
• HL IA weighting: Slightly lower percentage, because HL students also have Paper 3.

The IA is both rewarding and time-intensive. Successful students break the project into stages and document every step of their process clearly.

HL vs SL Weighting

While both levels complete similar tasks, the weighting differs:

• SL: IA counts for around 30%, with Papers 1 and 2 making up the rest.
• HL: IA counts for around 20%, with Papers 1, 2, and 3 covering the rest.

This means HL students face a heavier exam load, while SL students depend more on their IA performance.

Tips for Managing Assessments

• Treat your IA like a marathon, not a sprint. Plan it across the entire course.
• Practice multiple-choice regularly. Quick revision keeps Paper 1 sharp.
• Learn to analyze data fast. Paper 2 rewards clear, structured responses.
• HL students: prepare for Paper 3 early. Get used to thinking through case studies with limited information.
• Use RevisionDojo resources. The IB Design Technology hub has exam strategies tailored for each paper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the most important part of IB Design Technology assessment?
For most students, the IA carries the most weight in terms of workload. However, exams ultimately decide your grade balance, especially at HL.

2. Is the IA different for HL and SL?
Both complete a design project, but HL students are expected to demonstrate deeper analysis and stronger technical application.

3. How can I prepare for Paper 3 (HL)?
Practice analyzing case studies and connecting different syllabus topics to real-world design scenarios.

4. Are past papers available for IB Design Technology?
Not yet, since the first exams are in 2027. RevisionDojo is creating resources to simulate exam-style practice questions.

5. Where can I find reliable help for both exams and the IA?
RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub has guides for exams, IA planning, and full revision support.

Conclusion

The assessment structure of IB Design Technology may feel new, but once you break it down, it’s very manageable. The key is understanding the balance between the IA project and the exam papers, and preparing for each with the right strategies.

Since the first exams in 2027, students won’t have past papers to rely on. That’s why RevisionDojo has already built resources to guide you step by step through every part of the assessment.

Get prepared today with the IB Design Technology study hub.

Learn how to write a clear, evidence-based evaluation in IB Design Technology that links testing, requirements, and iteration for higher IA marks.